EDAPT Altered Hormonal Regulation Practice Test 2026 - Free Hormonal Regulation Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of hyperthyroidism, primary hyperthyroidism refers to a malfunction originating in the thyroid gland itself, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones (such as T3 and T4). This condition often results from issues like Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, or thyroiditis.

When a client is diagnosed with primary hyperthyroidism, it indicates that the thyroid is autonomously producing high levels of hormones, which is causing the clinical symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. This is different from secondary or tertiary hyperthyroidism, where the dysfunction lies in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, respectively, leading to excessive stimulation of the thyroid gland rather than a direct problem with the gland itself.

Subclinical hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, typically refers to individuals who have low TSH levels with normal thyroid hormone levels, meaning they do not exhibit the full range of symptoms characteristic of overt hyperthyroidism. Therefore, if the diagnosis is primary hyperthyroidism, the focus is directly on the thyroid gland as the source of hormone excess.